Chevrolet has announced the next generation Malibu is getting a hybrid version with a hardware setup derived from the 2016 Volt.

Chevrolet has announced the next generation Malibu is getting a hybrid version with a hardware setup derived from the 2016 Volt.

Promising to return more than 45 mpg US (54 mpg UK or 5.2 liters / 100 km) in the combined cycle, the 2016 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid will be powered by a newly developed four-cylinder 1.8-liter gasoline engine teamed up with a two-motor drive unit "slightly modified" from the Volt. Combined output will stand at 182 bhp (136 kW) and there's going to be an 80-cell 1.5 kWh lithium-ion battery pack.

Chevrolet says the 2016 Malibu Hybrid will be able to hit a top speed of 55 mph (86 km/h) when running solely on electric power, but there's no word yet about the electric range. However, we remind you the 2016 Volt will be able to travel for up to 50 miles (80 km) before running out of battery juice.

The Malibu Hybrid will use the same power electronics and regenerative braking system as the Volt while the conventional engine is going to feature an Exhaust Gas Heat Recovery system capable of using the exhaust heat to warm the engine and interior cabin. The EGHR technology can improve engine warm up and boost fuel economy especially during cold weather.

Chevrolet says the new Malibu will hit dealerships next spring after production kicks off at the Fairfax Assembly plant in Kansas.